New Ultra-Thin, Low-Height,
Low-Frequency
CT-1 Vibration Isolation Platform Adapts to Space
Constraints in Critical Micro- and Nano-Microscopy
At just 2-1/4
inches in height, while isolating vibrations as low as 1 hertz, the new
completely-passive Negative-Stiffness tabletop vibration isolation platform
developed by Minus K Technology provides the industry's thinnest low-height,
low-frequency isolator for optimizing space in critical microscopy and
laboratory applications.
(February 28, 2019, Inglewood, California) Minus K
Technology (Minus K) has just released its latest Negative-Stiffness vibration
isolation platform the ultra-thin, low-height model
CT-1 passive isolator designed for low-frequency
vibration isolation in critical micro- and nano-microscopy applications where
space constraints are critical. The completely passive tabletop unit is just
2-1/4 inches in height, yet delivers 1/2 Hz vertical natural frequency, and 2
to 2-1/4 Hz horizontal natural frequencies â considerably more low-hertz
vibration isolation performance compared to air tables and active systems.
“Vibration isolation options for microscopy instrumentation
like scanning probe microscopes, interferometers and stylus profilers have been
limited to systems of several inches or more in height, which for many labs can
be too tall,” said Erik Runge, Director of Engineering at Minus K.
“This can make for tight working conditions, which limits employing
adequate vibration isolation, and compromising the functionality of the
instrumentation. The new CT-1 ultra-thin, low-height isolator solves this
problem.”
Image 1: The new Negative-Stiffness CT-1 ultra-thin,
low-height, low-frequency vibration isolation platform mitigates space
constraints in microscopy applications.
Negative-Stiffness isolators employ a unique and completely
mechanical concept in low-frequency vibration isolation. They do not
require electricity or compressed air. There are no motors, pumps or chambers,
and no maintenance because there is nothing to wear out. They operate
purely in a passive mechanical mode. The Negative-Stiffness
CT-1 isolator achieves a high level of isolation in
multiple directions. It has the flexibility of custom tailoring resonant
frequencies vertically.
The transmissibility of the CT-1 is substantially improved over
air and active isolation systems. When adjusted to 1/2 Hz vertical natural
frequency, the CT-1 Negative-Stiffness isolator achieves approximately 93
percent isolation efficiency at 2 Hz; 99 percent at 5 Hz; and 99.7 percent at
10 Hz.
“With the increased sensitivity in instrumentation,
particularly at the nanometer level, more precise vibration isolation
technology was needed to deal with lower-hertz vibrations,” added Runge.
“Negative-Stiffness isolation, integral to the
CT-1, was specifically designed to isolate these
low-frequency perturbations without having to deal with compressed air or
electricity.”
Negative-Stiffness vibration isolation systems have become a
growing choice for micro- and nanotechnology microscopy applications. Not only
are they a highly workable vibration solution, but they provide location
flexibility and portability that other vibration isolation systems cannot.
About Minus K Technology, Inc.
Minus K® Technology, Inc. was founded in 1993 to develop, manufacture
and market state-of-the-art vibration isolation products based on the
company’s patented negative-stiffness technology. Minus K products are
used in a broad spectrum of applications including microscopy, nanotechnology,
biological sciences, semiconductors, materials research, zero-g
simulation of spacecraft, and high-end audio. The company is an OEM supplier to
leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes, micro-hardness testers and
other vibration-sensitive instruments and equipment. Minus K customers include
private companies and more than 300
leading universities and government laboratories in 51 countries.
For more information on negative-stiffness isolators please
contact Steve Varma, Minus K Technology, Inc.; 460 Hindry Ave.,
Unit C, Inglewood, CA 90301; Phone 310-348-9656; Fax
310-348-9638; email sales@minusk.com; www.minusk.com.
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